Patriotism

The Harper Woods community commemorated the anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, with the unveiling and dedication ceremony for a new memorial to those who died on that day, and those who sprang into action to save others.

The memorial consists of a steel beam salvaged from the World Trade Center embedded in a stone base with plaques explaining what happened on that day and dedicating the monument to the victims.

On Sept. 11, dozens of community members gathered to remember the lives lost and the heroic actions taken in response to the terrorist attacks on that date in 2001.

Shelby Township Veterans Coordinator Phil Randazzo unveiled the new base for the township's Global War on Terror monument, now displaying the countries — Iraq and Afghanistan — where local soldiers fell, as well as the brand new Defense of the Homeland Memorial at the township municipal grounds.

UTICA — At 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17, Nathaniel Squire, a Revolutionary War patriot who was one of the first people to settle the land that is now the city of Utica, will receive full military honors after 185 years at the Utica Cemetery.

Ten years of research have gone into proving that Squire is buried in the Utica Cemetery, since records do not reach that far back. The ceremony will include the unveiling of a memorial grave marker from the U.S. Department of Veterans, along with the pomp and circumstance associated with honoring military service.

HARPER WOODS — Sept. 11, 2001, affected the entire country, if not the whole world. Michigan was not exempt from the events of that dramatic day, and a new memorial will be installed in Harper Woods to commemorate the victims of the terrorist attacks and the first responders who sprang into action.

The memorial was created out of a 3-ton piece of rubble from the North Tower of the World Trade Center, and a steel beam from the same building. A dedication ceremony for the memorial will take place at 6 p.m. Sept. 11 at AMVETS Post No. 57 in Harper Woods.

TROY — The Troy Public Library will observe Patriot Week with programs in September that explore the role the U.S. played in World War I and World War II.

Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Michael Warren spearheaded Patriot Week in 2009 with his daughter, Leah, who was 10 at the time.

According to patriotweek.org, “Patriot Week renews America’s spirit by celebrating the first principles, founding fathers and other patriots, vital documents and speeches, and flags that make America the greatest nation in world history.”

HARRISON TOWNSHIP — There is no shortage of military expertise in the 127th Wing of Selfridge Air National Guard Base.

On Aug. 9, numerous servicemen provided members of the media with the ride of a lifetime: a nearly four-hour round-trip trek from the base in Harrison Township to a Grayling-Alpena training area and back.

Col. Jim Rossi and Col. Michael Urban were the flight’s pilots. Manning the cockpit was nothing new for either of them, as they have 28 and 14 years of experience, respectively, between them.

CLAWSON — When retired veteran Phil Weitlauf learned about an abandoned canine graveyard years ago, even he couldn’t have imagined what the western Oakland County property would come to mean to him and service dogs throughout the United States.

“I went to investigate it, and in the middle of the cemetery was a big monument that said, ‘War dogs.’ It had some writing on it, and it was erected in 1946,” he said, adding that he learned it was created in 1936 and abandoned in the mid-1980s.

ROSEVILLE — Ralph McIntyre, a 92-year-old World War II veteran, was the recipient of a Hometown Hero Award from local restaurant group TEAM Schostak Family Restaurants July 22 at the Roseville Applebee’s, 31653 Gratiot Ave.

The group launched a statewide search for five hometown heroes who served the country and continue to serve. McIntyre was awarded a $250 Visa gift card and a $250 Applebee’s gift card.

WARREN — One local high school community is making sure those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country will never be forgotten.

On the evening of June 1, a group of Warren Mott High School students and staff unveiled the school’s Military Wall of Honor during a dedication ceremony. The Wall of Honor pays tribute to past students of Warren Mott, Mott High and Warren High before the schools merged to become Warren Mott who were killed while serving in the various branches of the military. Warren Mott is part of Warren Consolidated Schools.

OAKLAND TOWNSHIP — Construction on the township’s Veterans Tribute, located on the west side of Adams Road, south of Silver Bell Road, will begin this summer.

“Progress on all fronts is going very well,” Oakland Township Supervisor Mike Bailey said May 23. The project is slated to be completed in 2018. The tribute will be built on donated land and paid for with private funds.

While the threat of storms loomed over the 65th annual St. Clair Shores Memorial Day Parade, residents and visitors to the city enjoyed warm weather, sunshine and a stunning parade filled with veterans, military vehicles, bands and more.

This was the first year Dylan Hand, of St. Clair Shores, came out to the parade.

“My whole family is veterans and I am, as well,” he said. He and his sons sat on the side of Jefferson Avenue May 28 because he “just (wanted) to support the veterans ... and of course (for) the candy.”

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — On May 22, Shelby Township officials drew away the service flag that had been covering a rectangular plaque in the township municipal building’s lobby to unveil the new Military Wall of Honor.

Shelby Township Veteran Events Coordinator Phil Randazzo and Deputy Clerk Brian Fairbrother worked together to execute the project, which displays the names of active-duty members of the military who call Shelby Township home.

The city’s annual remembrance of those who sacrificed their lives while in the U.S. armed forces is returning to Sterling Heights May 29, Memorial Day.

Sterling Heights City Manager Mark Vanderpool said at a May 3 City Council meeting that the public is invited to the city’s 38th annual Memorial Day activities. The morning will begin with a 9 a.m. ceremony near City Hall, followed by a parade that starts at Dodge Park.

“The theme this year is ‘Honoring Service and Sacrifice,’” Vanderpool said.